A successful day of RVing doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Whether you’ve been hiking national park trails, visiting local attractions, or simply relaxing at your campsite, how you spend your evenings in the RV can set the tone for restful sleep and a great start the next day.
In Episode 6 of Go RVing’s RV Newbie Tool Kit, Matt Light walks through what makes a good evening routine on the road. Here are his tips for creating an efficient and enjoyable evening routine while RVing—whether you’re weekend camping or embarking on a cross-country journey.
1. Prioritize Efficiency and Organization
RV life is fun—but space is limited. Creating a tidy, efficient evening routine helps avoid chaos and stress. Everything in your RV should have a designated home, and everyone should know where things go at the end of the day.
Evening organization tips:
- Designate a spot for shoes, jackets, electronics, and dirty laundry.
- Use collapsible bins or hanging organizers for quick storage.
- Set up a small “command center” with flashlights, headlamps, keys, and tomorrow’s checklist.
Consistency helps—when the same items go in the same places every night, cleanup becomes second nature, even for younger campers.
2. Wind Down with Family Reflection and Planning
One of the best RVing traditions you can start is an evening wind-down conversation with your travel companions. Take a few minutes to talk about the best parts of the day and plan ahead for tomorrow.
Evening conversation starters:
- What was your favorite part of today?
- Is there something we’d do differently next time?
- What do we want to do first thing tomorrow morning?
This reflection not only builds great memories but also ensures everyone is aligned on plans—like early hikes, travel day logistics, or breakfast prep.
3. Streamline the Shower Schedule
In a sticks-and-bricks home, everyone might shower whenever they please. In an RV, it’s a bit more of a logistical puzzle.
For some RVers, lining up the shower schedule is “rule number one” in the evening. RVs typically have small hot water heaters—often only 6–10 gallons—so timing is essential.
Tips for managing RV showers:
- Set a shower order ahead of time
- Keep showers short—2 to 5 minutes.
- Consider using campground bathhouses when available.
- Stagger showers across early evening and morning when appropriate.
Also remember to hang up towels immediately after use. A couple of wet towels on a dinette or bunk bed can cause dampness, odors, and frustration in a small space.
4. Handle Trash and Clutter Before Bed
Trash seems to multiply during a camping day—snack wrappers, paper plates, and food scraps from dinner can add up fast. Use the trash disposal locations identified during the morning routine.
Evening trash tips:
- Empty the inside trash bag every night, even if it’s not full.
- Place a small trash bag outside your RV while cooking, but make sure to bring it in before bed to avoid critters.
- If your campground has recycling, sort items ahead of time to make morning disposal easier.
Pro tip: Keep spare trash bags liberally stocked so you’re never caught without one in the evening rush.
5. Convert the RV Interior Into a Sleeping Space
Many RVs have convertible sleeping spaces—like dinettes or sofas that fold into beds. Matt emphasizes waiting until the right moment to make the switch. Doing it too early means tripping over beds when you're still trying to move around. Too late, and tired kids (or adults) may get cranky.
Best practices for sleep setup:
- Set a standard time or activity cue for converting the space (e.g., right after dinner or following a movie).
- Assign tasks to each family member—one handles bedding, another puts away gear, etc.
- Store bedding in collapsible containers under seats or in overhead compartments for quick access.
If you have young kids, a sound machine or small clip-on fan can help create a more comfortable sleep environment.
6. Prepare for the Next Morning
Want to start your next day stress-free? Use the evening to prep for the morning routine. That might mean:
- Setting out coffee supplies or breakfast basics.
- Pre-packing gear for an early hike or beach trip.
- Refilling the fresh water tank or checking tank levels.
- Plugging in phones, GPS devices, or lanterns to charge.
You can also take a moment to review campground quiet hours (and generator hours!) so you’re respectful of your neighbors as you settle in for the night.
7. Personalize and Have Fun with Your Routine
The best evening routine is one that works for you and your travel companions. Some families love to end the day with a board game or campfire story. Others may prefer quiet journaling, stargazing, or streaming a favorite show on a tablet.
Whatever your vibe, make the most of your RV evenings by building habits that create comfort, consistency, and connection. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for ease and enjoyment.
Learn More with Go RVing’s RV Newbie Tool Kit
Looking for more RV tips and beginner guidance? Explore Go RVing’s expert advice on setting up at the campground for step-by-step setup instructions.
And don’t miss the full RV Newbie Tool Kit series with Matt Light on Go RVing’s YouTube playlist, packed with helpful videos for first-time RVers.
Set your own rhythm, have fun with the process, and enjoy the simple pleasure of winding down at camp.
